Shrewsbury Prison, Guided Tour

During your visit, a Prison Officer will provide insights into the experiences of prisoners, staff members, and guests within this significant historical structure. This immersive guided tour offers an unfiltered look at the complex's past and its current operations.

Two traditional Victorian Prison wings offer visitors a glimpse into life within these imposing structures. A Wing comprises 172 cells designed to accommodate 350 male inmates, while C Wing houses 22 cells initially intended for female prisoners but later modified to hold males until 1921. As former guards walk through the historic corridors, they encounter various features indicative of past practices, such as the B.O.S.S. chair used for body orifice security scans.

In the reception area, visitors witness the bustling activity surrounding processing new arrivals and departures. This space also serves as a testament to the legacy of the institution, featuring memorabilia like the B.O.S.S. chair. Visitors proceed to explore the two exercise yards, surrounded by towering prison walls that evoke a sense of confinement. The history of netting placement in the main exercise yard and the rule against walking counterclockwise remain intriguing topics for discussion.

Healthcare facilities provide insight into the daily routines of prisoners, including queues for medication and the administration of programs addressing drug and alcohol addiction. The Visits section offers a unique opportunity to interact with individuals released from incarceration, highlighting the importance of visitation rights and the rigorous security measures enforced here.

The Executioner's bedroom showcases the grim reality of capital punishment within the facility. It stands out as a stark reminder of the dark side of justice, with several executions taking place there. The Execution Room, known for its eerie atmosphere, reveals details about the tragic fate of eight men who met their end during violent crimes. Visitors learn about George Riley, the last person executed at Shrewsbury Prison in 1961, and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of public executions, the abolition of which occurred in 1965. Finally, Albert Pierrepoint, renowned as the world's most famous executioner, provides a fascinating account of his role in carrying out lethal injections.